The lord chancellor today led the legal world's tributes to Queen Elizabeth II. Brandon Lewis CBE MP said: 'I am immensely saddened by the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. We are hugely privileged to have lived in a country that had her at its helm for so many years. We will cherish her memory and safeguard her legacy of duty, selflessness and service to her country. My thoughts are with the whole of the Royal family as they mourn this profound loss. God save the King.'
Shadow justice secretary Steve Reed MP said: 'I'm so very sad at the death of HM the Queen and offer my deepest sympathy to the Royal family. The Queen had been a constant and unifying presence in all our lives, her sense of duty and service inspired our nation. We remember her with love and respect. God save the King.'
The lord chief justice paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth's ’unparalleled service’ to the country and the Commonwealth for seven decades. In a statement posted yesterday, Lord Burnett of Maldon said: ’Today is a day of great sadness for all judicial office holders in England and Wales, across the United Kingdom and around the Commonwealth. Her Majesty’s service to this country and the Commonwealth throughout the seven decades of her reign has been unparalleled.
’I am sure many of you will want to pay your respects over the coming days. Guidance will follow on any changes to court and tribunal business during the period of national mourning.’
Mark Fenhalls KC, chair of the bar, said: ’The officers, members and staff of the General Council of the Bar of England and Wales join with colleagues across the legal professions in mourning the loss of our country’s most devoted public servant.
'Throughout a long, loyal, and steadfast reign, Queen Elizabeth II embodied the symbolic role of the figure in whose name justice is carried out with great integrity.'
Kirsty Brimelow KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association said: 'The Criminal Bar Association joins with legal professions across the commonwealth in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We pay tribute to the Queen’s steadfast and true public service and offer our deep condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family. We mark with sorrow and dedication to justice the change of Queen’s Counsel to King’s Counsel.
'I have written to offer our deep and sincere condolences to His Majesty The King. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.'
Professor Chris Bones, chair of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, said: 'We are deeply saddened on the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen. On the behalf of CILEX, we send our deepest sympathies to the Royal Family.'
Max Hill KC, director of public prosecutions, said: 'All at the Crown Prosecution Service share a profound sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was a great inspiration to our people, who are immensely proud to serve the Crown. Her Majesty led with extraordinary dedication and her legacy will live on in perpetuity.'
Manchester Law Society said: 'Our Queen, the ‘Head of our Nation’, acted as a focus for national identity, unity and pride and gave a sense of stability and continuity. Elizabeth II may not have been born to be a monarch, but once fate had intervened, she steadfastly committed her time on earth to duty and service.'
Law firms have also paid tribute.
Hogan Lovells said: 'Queen Elizabeth II was an inspirational figure for so many around the world. Her steadfast leadership which she combined with grace and humour, was an example to all. Our thoughts are with her family and those affected by the sad news of her death.'
Ashfords said: 'All the partners and staff at Ashfords send their deepest condolences to the family of Her Majesty the Queen and join the nation in paying tribute to her remarkable service and dedication to the UK.'
Bird & Bird said: 'As the longest reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a much respected figure across the globe. Following the sad news of her death yesterday, Queen Elizabeth II will be remembered by many for her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service, and as a figurehead during times of enormous social and political change. Our thoughts are with her family and the many people around the world who will be affected by her death.'
Solicitors may post their own messages of condolence on the Law Society’s LinkedIn page.
The Gazette’s daily news update will not be published today. The next weekly edition will appear on Monday.
